WO2006114803A2 - Machine destinee a laver des ampoules - Google Patents

Machine destinee a laver des ampoules Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006114803A2
WO2006114803A2 PCT/IT2006/000276 IT2006000276W WO2006114803A2 WO 2006114803 A2 WO2006114803 A2 WO 2006114803A2 IT 2006000276 W IT2006000276 W IT 2006000276W WO 2006114803 A2 WO2006114803 A2 WO 2006114803A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
washing
ampoules
machine according
suited
washing machine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2006/000276
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006114803A3 (fr
WO2006114803B1 (fr
Inventor
Giuseppino Naldi
Original Assignee
Romaco S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from ITBO20050287 external-priority patent/ITBO20050287A1/it
Priority claimed from ITBO20050288 external-priority patent/ITBO20050288A1/it
Application filed by Romaco S.R.L. filed Critical Romaco S.R.L.
Priority to EP06745300.1A priority Critical patent/EP1885514B1/fr
Publication of WO2006114803A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006114803A2/fr
Publication of WO2006114803A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006114803A3/fr
Publication of WO2006114803B1 publication Critical patent/WO2006114803B1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/34—Arrangements of conduits or nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine for ampoules, such as phials and bottles.
  • a washing machine for ampoules of the cited type is illustrated by the patent IT1100324 in the name of H. Strunck GMBH.
  • the pre-washing station of the known machines is usually constituted by a tub filled with washing liquid, for instance water, in which an inclined plane is placed partially immersed, whereon the ampoules in accumulation advance for gravity.
  • the pre-washing tub is associated with an ultrasonic waves generator suited to act on the supplied ampoules so as to cause the disjunction of the sediments of dirt adhering on the surface of the ampoules.
  • the ampoules are separated and spaced apart by means of suitable singularizing devices, for example of screw type, positioned at the lower end of the inclined plane, so as to be singularly taken by catching means suited to transfer them to the subsequent washing stations.
  • suitable singularizing devices for example of screw type
  • Proper dispensing members suited to be inserted inside the ampoules, perform the delivery of different washing fluids for washing and drying the internal surface of the ampoules, while other dispensing devices act on the external surface.
  • each washing cycle comprises successive deliveries of one or more washing fluids, usually demineralised water and distilled water, as well as pressurized air, carried out at a series of washing stations through which the same ampoules are taken.
  • the known washing stations comprise, at each treatment station, a plurality of dispensers, suited to be inserted inside the ampoules to wash, in order to carry out the delivery of a specific fluid inside the ampoules.
  • the dispensers of each washing station are simultaneously supplied with the washing fluid by means of a common distributing member associated with the station. Therefore, in the known washing units, the dispensers provided for each station are suited to dispense a single specific fluid supplied by the aforesaid distributing member.
  • the known washing units usually result very bulky because they require a relatively large number of successive washing stations, even for the simplest washing cycles.
  • washing units don't allow to adjust the washing cycles to the productive requirements, which are imposed by the size as well as by the type of the ampoules to wash.
  • the washing sequences are rigidly determined by the structure of the washing unit and so don't allow to carry out optimal washing cycles for each type of ampoule.
  • the washed ampoules are released in succession by the catching means in order to be transferred, in accumulation again, to an unloading station beneath, in order to be supplied, for example, to a sterilization tunnel, where the ampoules are subjected to air blowing at high temperature.
  • the machines of known type show considerable disadvantages caused by the difficulty to safely handle ampoules which are usually realized in fragile material such as glass material.
  • the known machines perform the release of the ampoules by gravity from the last washing station to the unloading station beneath, causing thus impacts among the ampoules and consequently increasing the risk of defects, such as cracks or breaks. Dangerous cracks can occur among the ampoules during the supplying step, too.
  • the ampoules are subjected to different actions mainly due to gravity, sliding friction and generated ultrasonic waves, causing thus even strong collisions between the surfaces being in contact of the ampoules in accumulation.
  • the scope of the present invention is to provide a washing machine for ampoules which allows to carry out the automatic washing of ampoules of the type of phials and bottles in a secure and effective way.
  • a further aim of the invention is to devise a washing machine of simple structure, versatile use and actually reliable function.
  • fig. 1 illustrates a schematic front view of a washing machine for ampoules according to the invention
  • fig. 2 illustrates a front view of a pre-washing tub provided in the claimed machine
  • fig. 3 illustrates a corresponding plant view of this pre-washing tub
  • fig. 4 illustrates a front view of an unloading device of the machine
  • fig. 5 illustrates a partial side view of the same unloading device
  • fig. 6 illustrates a functional scheme of a washing unit according to the present invention
  • fig. 7 illustrates a schematic front view of the claimed washing unit
  • fig. 8 illustrates a side view of the same washing unit
  • fig. 9 and 10 illustrate enlarged views of different embodiments of dispending members suited to be fitted in the claimed washing unit
  • fig. 11 and 12 illustrate further embodiments of said dispensing members
  • fig. 13 illustrates a side view of the washing unit utilizing the dispensing members of fig. 11.
  • the washing machine 1 refers to the washing machine for ampoules 2 such as phials and bottles.
  • the ampoules 2 shape a supporting base 20, a section contraction 21 and an upper opening 22.
  • the machine 1 substantially comprises a pre-washing tub 3 for washing the external surface of the ampoules 2, a plurality of washing stations 4 mainly suited to wash the internal surface of the ampoules 2, and an unloading area 5 for the unloading of the washed ampoules 2 and for the supply of the same ampoules to successive treatment stations, for instance a sterilization tunnel.
  • the pre-washing tub 3 shapes a container usually filled with water at a temperature of nearly 40 0 C to a constant level comprised between a maximum level 6a and a minimum level 6b.
  • the pre-washing tub 3 shapes an inclined bottom 7, inside which is associated a transducer device 8 connected to the ultrasonic waves generator 9 positioned externally.
  • an advance device 10 suited to enable the advance of the ampoules 2 along a direction A from an entry area 11 external to the pre-washing tub 3 to a transfer area 12 dipped in the washing fluid of the tub 3, at which transfer members 13 are suited to receive the ampoules 2 singularly.
  • the advance device 10 shapes an inclined supplying band 14 dipped partially in the washing fluid of the pre- washing tub 3.
  • This supplying band 14 is suited to define upperly an inclined plane 15, on which the ampoules 2 are suited to be positioned with the opening 22 turned upwards in order to advance in configuration of accumulation.
  • the supplying band 14 constituted preferably of steel grid is wound around a first drawing roll 16 positioned at the entry area 11 and around a second drawing roll 17 at the transfer area 12.
  • the drawing rolls 16, 17 are operated in rotation in known way by suitable motor drives.
  • a filling device 18 suited to fill the ampoules 2 by delivering washing fluid through the respective openings 22.
  • This filling device 18 substantially shapes a plurality of nozzles 19 suitably supplied with the washing fluid and arranged on a crosspiece 23 fixed to the tub 3.
  • the crosspiece 23 is positioned above the ampoules 2 advancing in an emerged position along the inclined plane 15 for enabling by filling the ampoules 2 the successive immersion of the ampoules 2 in the washing fluid.
  • a diverting device 24 Downstream to the filling device 18 is positioned a diverting device 24 suited to cause the alternate move of the ampoules 2 in transversal direction.
  • This transversal move is preferably of an extent comparable with the transversal size of the ampoules 2.
  • This diverting device 24 comprises a couple of plates 25 protruding at both sides of the inclined plane 15, next to the ampoules 2 in advance.
  • the plates 25 are connected each other by a couple of tubes 26 positioned beneath the supplying band 14 and associated with a central support 27 operated in alternate motion by leverages 28 operated by drive means 29. Consequently the plates 25 are operated so as to intercept laterally the ampoules 2 from alternatively opposite sides of the inclined plane 15, so as to exert a moderate transversal push first in one direction and then in the opposite one.
  • the singularizing members 30 are positioned at the transfer area 12 and consequently downstream to the diverting device 24 in order to disjoin a row of single ampoules 2 in a spaced way.
  • the singularizing members 30 are constituted by a plurality of housing bodies 32 positioned aligned downstream to the second drawing roll 17 and spaced by means of separators 33.
  • the housing bodies 32 present frontally a hollow 34 suited to house one half of an ampoule 2 and such as to shape at a lower wall a flat area 35 suited to receive the supporting base 20 of the ampoules 2.
  • Each housing body 32 presents a longitudinal slit 36 at the back.
  • housing bodies 32 are fitted in solid with a drawer-shaped support 66 suited to be set in alternate transversal motion by known drive mechanisms, for example of eccentric type.
  • the singularizing members 30 are suited to be alternately moved in transversal direction so that for each housing body 32 only one ampoule 2 of the advance front 31 is intercepted by the separators 33 to be housed inside the respective hollow 34.
  • the singularizing members 30 are suited to cooperate with transfer members 13 shaping transport means 38 carrying respective rows of teeth 39 driven in step in order to carry the single ampoules 2 from the transfer area 12 positioned beneath to a drawing station 40 positioned at an upper level above the surface of the washing liquid, where gripping elements 41 operate.
  • the transport means 38 preferably shapes a chain drive 37 wound around respective wheels 42 operated by suitable motor drives. Therefore the teeth 39 fixed to proper support elements 43 and dragged by the chain drive 37 are suited to pass through the longitudinal slit 36 so as to transfer the single ampoules 2 to the drawing station 40.
  • the gripping elements 41 are fixed to a shifting device 44 of chain type in order to carry out the transfer of the drawn single ampoules 2 to the washing stations 4 at which a washing unit 101 is suited to carry out the washing of their internal surface as well as their external surface by the delivery of different washing fluids.
  • each row to draw can be constituted by twelve ampoules 2 positioned with the opening 22 turned upwards.
  • the gripping elements 41 are suited to grip the single ampoules 2 next to the opening 22, for example at the section contraction 21.
  • the chain type shifting device 44 carrying the gripping elements 41 is preferably constituted by a couple of chains 105 wound around respective couples of wheels 107 positioned facing one another at opposite sides of the machine 1 and operated by drive means of known type.
  • the gripping elements 41 are positioned aligned on a plurality of supporting sections 108 constrained to the shifting device 44 and arranged along it.
  • the shifting device 44 defines a closed pathway in which are respectively defined a lower branch 109 and an upper branch 111 , both rectilinear, spaced by wound portions 112.
  • the drawing station 40 is positioned near the lower branch 109 and so each row of ampoules 2 drawn there is suited to be rotated and overturned in the configuration with the opening 22 turned downwards during the successive transfer to the upper branch 111.
  • the washing stations 4 suited to perform the washing of the ampoules 2 are positioned in succession along the upper branch 111.
  • These washing stations 4 comprise external washing devices 113 for washing the external surface of the ampoules 2 and internal washing devices 114 for washing the internal surface of the ampoules 2.
  • the external washing devices 113 are preferably present only at the stations of initial and final washing of the washing process.
  • the external washing devices 113 provided at the initial washing station shape sprayers 115 suited to dispense a suitable washing fluid, for example demineralised water, externally to the ampoules 2.
  • the sprayers 115 are positioned above the ampoules 2 carried by the gripping elements 41 along the upper branch 111 of the shifting device 44.
  • the external washing devices 113 provided at the final washing station preferably shape blowers 116 supplied with sterilized air and suited to blow with an air jet onto the ampoules 2 so as to perform their external drying.
  • the internal washing devices 114 comprise a dispensing member 117 provided with a plurality of dispensers 118 for the emission of a suitable washing fluid and/or of air.
  • the dispensing member 117 shapes a rectilinear external duct 119, preferably cylindrical and substantially positioned horizontally by an area beneath each row of ampoules 2 transported by the shifting device 44 (see fig. 8).
  • an internal duct 123 suited to the separated delivery of a fluid, for example sterilized air. Consequently between the external duct 119 and the internal duct 123 is defined an interspace 124 suitable for the delivery of a washing fluid, for example demineralised water and/ or re-circulation water or distilled water.
  • the external duct 119 and the internal duct 123 of the dispensing member 117 are longitudinally provided with a plurality of threaded drillings 125a, 125b for the connection of the dispensers 118.
  • the drillings 125a are positioned on the external duct 119 radially and longitudinally aligned with the respective drillings 125b of the internal duct 123.
  • each dispensing member 117 is connected with a first jointing member 126 and with a second jointing member 127 for the junction with the circuits supplying the washing fluid and the air respectively.
  • the first jointing member 126 preferably shapes a connecting element suited to be axially inserted externally to the dispensing member 117, so as to seal the corresponding end section 123a of the internal duct 123 and at the same time define an annular chamber 128 for the connection with the external duct 119.
  • this annular chamber 128 is suited to put in communication the first jointing member 126 with the interspace 124 by means of suitable outlet openings 129 provided at the end of the external duct 119.
  • the first jointing member 126 is coupled beneath by means of suitable junction and seal means 130 with a first header 131 supplied by a supplying circuit 132a or 132b with demineralised water or distilled water respectively.
  • control valves 133 for example of the type of the solenoid valves, suited to operate the delivery of the washing fluid in controlled way.
  • the second jointing member 127 comprises a closing element 134, suited to close the corresponding end section 124a of the interspace 124, and an articulated joint 135, for example of fork type, suited to enable the coupling with the dispensing member 117 for the connection with the internal duct 123.
  • the articulated joint 135 is connected beneath to a second header 136 supplied with air by the respective supplying circuit 137.
  • a channel 138 internal to the joint 135 is suited to put in communication the outlet end section 123b of the internal duct 123 with the second header 136.
  • control valves 133 of the aforesaid type in order to operate the delivery of air in a controlled way.
  • the dispensing members 117 present in the washing unit 101 are associated with suitable operation means referred to the fixed framework of the machine 1.
  • the operation means is suited to perform the alternate translation of the dispensing members 117 between a lowered position and a lifted position for the insertion of the dispensers 118 through the openings 22 of the facing ampoules 2.
  • the operation means comprises cam-type mechanisms.
  • the operation means is advantageously suited to operate as well the external washing devices 113 in alternate motion between a position distant from the supporting base 20 of the ampoules 2 and a nearby position for performing the washing or the external drying.
  • the dispensers 118 suited to dispense the washing fluid and/or the air to the ampoules 2 are fitted aligned at the cited drillings 125a, 125b of each dispensing member 117.
  • the dispensers 118 are constituted by a first outflow channel 139 suitable for the delivery of the washing fluid and by a second outflow channel 140 suitable for the delivery of the air.
  • the first outflow channel 139 preferably shapes a cylindrical duct 141 suited to be inserted longitudinally inside the ampoules 2 dwelling at the washing station 4.
  • the first outflow channel 139 comprises a threaded base 142 for the tight connection with the respective drilling 125a of the external duct 119 and a grip portion 143, for example of prismatic shape, in order to enable the assembling operations.
  • the cylindrical duct 141 shapes a conical outlet portion 144 provided with side longitudinal notchings 145 particularly suitable for generating side outflow jets of washing fluid (fig. 9).
  • the second outflow channel 140 preferably shapes a needle-shaped duct 146 suited to be inserted coaxially in the first outflow channel 139, with which it contributes to define an outflow interspace 147 suited to allow the outflow of the washing fluid.
  • the needle-shaped duct 146 protrudes beneath from the cylindrical duct 141 by an end portion 148 comprising a threaded end 149 for the tight connection with the respective drilling 125b of the internal duct 123, and a grip part 150 of the type of the grip portion 143 described previously for facilitating the assembling operations with the assistance of proper tools.
  • the needle-shaped duct 146 At the top of the needle-shaped duct 146 is provided with an outlet axial section 151 associated with a plurality of radial drillings 152 protruding from the first outflow channel 139 (see fig. 9).
  • This embodiment is particularly suitable for making washing jets lateral to the internal surface of the ampoules 2.
  • a different embodiment of the dispensers 118 provides that the outlet axial section 151 of the second outflow channel 139, lacking in this case the radial drillings 152, is positioned inside the first outflow channel 139.
  • the cylindrical duct 141 thus resulting protruding, shapes in turn an outlet portion 144a, cylindrical instead of conical, as well lacking any side notchings 145.
  • This embodiment is suited to realize inside the outlet portion 144a in which air and washing fluid can flow such turbulence conditions to cause the nebulization of the dispensed washing fluid, in order to perform a particularly diffused washing of the internal surface of the ampoule 2.
  • the dispensing members 117 are supplied with sterilized air and with a first washing fluid consisting of a mixture pf demineralised water and re-circulation water coming from a collecting tub 153 located beneath the washing stations 4.
  • the successive washing stations 4 are supplied with air and with a second washing fluid consisting of distilled water.
  • the sixth station 4 is left available for further deliveries of washing fluids or for other treatments, for example for a silicone treatment, for which the supply of a mixture of water and silicone is needed.
  • the last three washing stations 4 are supplied only with sterilized air for the drying of the ampoules 2.
  • respective tanks 154 from which the different washing fluids are suited to be supplied in suitable ducts 155 by means of suitable pumping devices 156, by the interposition of suitable filtering elements 157.
  • the air is usually supplied by a pipe network external to the machine 1.
  • the internal duct 123 and the external duct 119 of the dispensing members provide respective circular pits 201 , 202 made orthogonally to the axes of these ducts respectively.
  • the needle-shaped duct 146 carries fixed at one end a connector element 203 which presents axially spaced cylindrical portions suited to engage tight the pits 201, 202 respectively by the interposition of seals 204, 205.
  • the portion engaging the pit 202 shapes an annular crown and defines the coupling seat for a second connector element 207 fixed at the end of the cylindrical duct 141.
  • the second connector element 207 is frontally coupled to the first connector element 203 by the interposition of a seal 208.
  • the outflow interspace 147 defined between the cylindrical duct 141 and the needle-shaped duct 146 is put in communication with the interspace 124 through an intermediate channel 206 realized diametrically to the first connector element 203.
  • the connector elements 203, 207 are steadily kept in contact each other and with the internal and external ducts 123, 119 by a quick connectable spring 209.
  • a rib 210 suited to be connected to the internal surface of the external duct 119 in order to prevent any deflection of the internal duct 123 (see fig. 13).
  • a simplified embodiment as illustrated in fig. 12 which provides a single dispensing tube 211 and a single needle-shaped duct 213.
  • the dispensing tube 211 presents a circular pit 212.
  • the end portion of the needle-shaped duct 213 shapes a connector element 214 of cylindrical shape suited to engage the pit 212 by the interposition of a seal 215.
  • the gripping elements 41 are suited to release the ampoules 2 at the unloading station 5 at which the ampoules 2 are suited to arrive with the opening 22 turned upwards.
  • the mobile unloading devices 45 At the unloading station 5 operate the mobile unloading devices 45 for receiving single ampoules 2 from the gripping elements 41 and transferring them to an unloading area 46 located beneath.
  • the mobile unloading devices 45 are suited to translate in alternate motion and in properly timed relationship with the release of the ampoules 2 from a lifted position 45a of release to a lowered position 45b of unloading positioned at the unloading area 46.
  • the unloading area 46 presents a set of channels 246 for the passage of the ampoules 2, defined between the parallel side guides 247 fitted sliding on respective coupling means; the guides 247 are suitably interchangeable by means of different shims so as to vary the size of the channels 246 depending on the size of the ampoules 2 whenever the ampoule production is changed.
  • the ampoules 2 slide on underlying blades 248 placed longitudinally as to the channels themselves.
  • the mobile unloading devices 45 comprise a plurality of housing blocks 47 positioned aligned at each single ampoule 2 released by the gripping elements 41 at the unloading station 5.
  • Each housing block 47 comprises a recess 48 open at its lower and upper part, shaping a plane support seat
  • the open recess 48 presents a cross section suitable for the shape and the size of the ampoule 2 to house.
  • Each housing block 47 is carried by a support block
  • the support blocks 50 are fitted aligned, in case sliding upon operation of respective drive means, on a couple of transversal guides 52 carried by a frame 53 and operated in alternate motion in order to transfer the housing blocks 47 from the lifted position 45a to the lowered position 45b.
  • the housing blocks 47 provide a longitudinal notch 54 at the open recess 48 suited to allow the insertion of extracting elements 55.
  • the extracting elements 55 shape a plurality of shaped plates 56 fitted rotating around a transversal axis underlying the unloading area 46.
  • the shaped plates 56 comprise extracting rods 58 suited to be inserted in the longitudinal notch 54.
  • Drive means 59 of the type with crank and rocker arm are suited to drive the alternate rotation of the shaped plates 56 from an angular position at which the extracting rods 58 are coaxial to the longitudinal notches 54, to a forward angular position at which the extracting rods 58 are substantially perpendicular to the unloading plane at the unloading area 46.
  • the extracting elements 55 are driven advantageously by the interposition of a modulating device 60 of pneumatic type.
  • emptying devices 61 suited to perform the automatic discharge of the machine at the end of the production run. These emptying devices 61 are positioned behind the mobile unloading devices 45 substantially on the same plane as the unloading area 46.
  • the emptying devices 61 shape a plurality of vertical rods 62 positioned grazing as to the extracting rods 58, operated by dragging means 63 with rackwork.
  • the rods 62 are suited to intercept the ampoules 2 at the back in order to push them forward to the unloading area 46.
  • the collecting devices 64 suited to supply respective washing fluids at the washing stations 4 and at the pre-washing tub 3 by the interposition of suitable dispensing and pumping means (fig. 1).
  • the machine 1 comprises three tanks 64 suited to supply respective treating fluids such as demineralised water, distilled water and silicone.
  • the pre-washing tub 3 is preferably supplied with a mixture of demineralised water and re-circulation water.
  • the washing stations 4 are supplied with distilled water and with an emulsion of silicone in re-circulation water for the treatment with silicone.
  • the ampoules 2 are supplied along the supplying direction A by the inclined supplying band 14. Starting from the entry area 11 the ampoules 2 advance in accumulation in order to be immersed in the washing fluid contained in the pre-washing tub 3. During this advance the ampoules are suitably filled with the washing fluid dispensed by the filling device 18 in order to enable the partial or total immersion of the ampoules in the washing fluid. This washing fluid is subjected to the action of the ultrasonic waves generator 9 associated with the transducer device 8 in order to cause the disjunction of the sediments of dirt from the surface of the ampoules 2.
  • the ampoules 2 are subjected to the action of the diverting device 24 which cooperates with the singularizing members 30 in order to ease the interception of the single ampoules 2 by the separators 33.
  • the diverting device 24 alternately pushes the ampoules 2 in transversal direction by means of the plates 25.
  • a row of ampoules 2 is separated from the advance front 31 by the operation in transversal motion of the drawer- shaped support 66, which provokes the housing of single ampoules 2 inside respective housing bodies 32 at the transfer area 12. Consequently the teeth 39 of the transfer members 13 can lift and transfer single ampoules 2 to the drawing station 40, where the gripping elements 41 seize the single ampoules 2 by their section contraction 21.
  • the chains 105 transfer in step the ampoules 2 from the drawing station 40 to the first washing station 4 at its upper branch 111.
  • the ampoules 2 are positioned upturned, with the opening 22 turned downwards.
  • the dispensing members 117 are in lowered position distant form the ampoules 2.
  • the operation means brings the dispensing members 117 nearer the respective ampoules 2 so that the dispensers 118 are inserted inside the ampoules 2.
  • the external washing devices 113 are brought nearer above the ampoules 2.
  • control valves 133 enable the controlled delivery of the washing fluids and air.
  • the air and the washing fluid can be delivered intermittently in alternate way according to a predetermined succession of delivery times. Otherwise the washing fluid can be delivered at the same time as the air. In this case it is possible to operate the nebulization of the washing fluid by means of the dispensers 118 illustrated in fig. 10.
  • washing fluids and the air delivered are dispersed homogeneously inside the ampoule 2 so as to perform the washing of the internal surface. Then the washing fluids can flow by gravity out of the ampoule 2 through the annular port let free by the dispensers 118 inserted in the opening 22. These washing fluids which are exhaust by then are collected in the underlying collecting tub 153 to flow in a suitable tank 154 for re-circulation.
  • the external washing devices 113 perform the washing of the external surface of the ampoules 2.
  • the sprayers 115 spray above and sideways the ampoules 2 with a jet of a suitable washing fluid, preferably demineralised water and/or re-circulation water.
  • the operation means drives the removal of the dispensers 118 associated with the dispensing members 117 from the ampoules 2. At the same time the external washing devices 113 are withdrawn.
  • the chains 105 proceed by one step to transfer the ampoules 2 to the second washing station 4.
  • the ampoules 2 are carried in step towards the lower branch 109 in order to be released by the gripping elements 41 and gathered at the unloading station 5 beneath.
  • the gripping elements 41 release the single ampoules 2 to the open recesses 48 of the respective housing blocks 47 of the mobile unloading devices 45 which by then are positioned in the lifted position. Subsequently the housing blocks 47 are translated to the lowered position, thus enabling the insertion of the extracting rods 58 in the longitudinal notch 54 of the open recesses 48 during this lowering. Then the ampoules 2 are extracted from the mobile unloading devices 45 by the forward rotation of the extracting rods 58 around the axis 57. This extracting push is advantageously modulated by the modulating device 60.
  • the unloading area 46 is emptied by operating the emptying devices 61.
  • the vertical rods 62 are advanced grazing the extracting elements 55 in order to push forward the ampoules 2 dwelling at the unloading area 46.
  • the washing machine for ampoules according to the invention reaches the aim to carry out the automatic washing of ampoules of the type of phials and bottles in a secure and effective way. This is essentially due to the internal washing devices 114 which can deliver air as well as the washing fluid during the same washing phase. In particular by means of the dispensers 118 it is possible to deliver two types of washing fluid in succession as well as at the same time, thus enabling the widest choice of differentiated washing processes, and satisfy every type of productive requests.
  • a further advantage of the washing machine according to the invention is the fact that the number of the dispensing means necessary to carry out a determined washing cycle is halved in comparison with the known machines, because each dispensing member 117 is able to perform the double delivery of both air and washing fluid. Obviously this advantage results in a notable reduction of the overall space occupied by the machine, as well as a remarkable reduction of the realization costs.
  • the washing machine according to the invention optimizes the production outputs by halving the dwelling intervals as well as the intervals for delivering the washing fluids and the air, partly thanks to the possibility of delivering nebulized washing fluids.
  • An important advantage of the claimed washing machine lies in the notable versatility of use. In fact it is sufficient to modulate the parameters which regulate the delivery of the involved fluids, air and water, by means of the control valves 133 to adjust the washing cycle according to any type and size of ampoules 2. Moreover it is possible to substitute the dispensing members 117 easily, for example in order to have a different number of fitted dispensers 118. To this aim it is sufficient to insert axially each dispensing member 117 by the first jointing member 126 and carry out the connection, through articulation, with the second jointing member 127, in order to carry out the necessary connections with the supplying ducts 155 associated with the washing machine in fixed way.
  • a prerogative of the invention consists in the mobile unloading devices 45 suitable for receiving each single ampoule 2 and lead it to the unloading area 46. During this transfer there is no risk of impacts among the ampoules 2 released by the gripping elements 41 and consequently the unloading operational step is carried out in totally secure conditions for the integrity of the manufactured ampoules 2.
  • the unloading devices 45 of the machine according to the invention can be easily adjusted according to any productive requirement, in particular relating to the size and the shape of the ampoules 2 to wash. In fact it is sufficient to fit suitable housing blocks 47 on the support blocks 50 through the quick coupling elements 51 in order to prepare the machine according to the specific productive requirements.
  • a further reason of versatility for the machine is constituted by the fact that the support blocks 50 can be operated in a sliding way along the transversal guides 52, for example in order to adjust the transversal space occupied by the row of unloaded ampoules 2 to the wideness of the sterilization tunnel positioned downstream to the unloading area 46.
  • a further prerogative of the machine is the presence of the modulating device 60 for the modulation of the extracting push by which the extracting elements 55 act on the ampoules 2. Thanks to the softening action of this pneumatic device are avoided excessive and abrupt effort, which could cause defects and breaks of the ampoules 2.
  • the emptying devices 61 as well increase the security of the machine functioning by avoiding any manual operation during the unloading phase of the machine at the end of the productive run.
  • the ampoules can be removed softly by the moderate push exerted by the vertical rods 62 to load the treatment stations placed downstream.
  • the claimed washing machine for ampoules is secure and effective during the supplying phase as well thanks to the transversally diverting device 24 cooperating with the supplying band 14.
  • the diverting device 24 easily moves the ampoules 2 so as to prevent the ampoules 2 from getting stuck at the entrance of the separators 33.
  • This action is advantageously very light on the ampoules 2, because the ampoules 2 transported by the supplying band 14 offer a small friction resistance, anyway smaller than the typical resistance offered by the fixed supplying plane of the known machines, on which the ampoules are suited to slide for gravity.
  • the washing machine can contain all collecting devices 64, as well as the dispensing and pumping devices necessary for supplying the treatment fluids required for the pre- washing and for the washing cycles.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine pour laver des ampoules (2) de type flacon et bouteille. Cette machine comprend une cuve de prélavage (3) dans laquelle les ampoules (2) sont placées pour être fournies en accumulation sur un plan incliné (15). Des éléments de séparation individuels (30) sont conçus pour séparer successivement des rangées d'ampoules individuelles (2). Un dispositif de décalage (44) portant des éléments de préhension (41) transfert les ampoules (2) dans une série de postes de lavage successifs (4). Des dispositifs de lavage internes (114) destinés aux ampoules (2) comprennent des éléments de distribution respectifs (117) et des distributeurs (118) associés aux éléments de distribution (117) conçus pour être insérer à l'intérieur des ampoules individuelles (2) de sorte à distribuer le fluide de lavage.
PCT/IT2006/000276 2005-04-28 2006-04-21 Machine destinee a laver des ampoules WO2006114803A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06745300.1A EP1885514B1 (fr) 2005-04-28 2006-04-21 Machine destinee a laver des ampoules

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITBO2005A000288 2005-04-28
ITBO20050287 ITBO20050287A1 (it) 2005-04-28 2005-04-28 Unita' di lavaggio
ITBO20050288 ITBO20050288A1 (it) 2005-04-28 2005-04-28 Macchina per il lavaggio di contenitori
ITBO2005A000287 2005-04-28

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006114803A2 true WO2006114803A2 (fr) 2006-11-02
WO2006114803A3 WO2006114803A3 (fr) 2007-02-15
WO2006114803B1 WO2006114803B1 (fr) 2007-03-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IT2006/000276 WO2006114803A2 (fr) 2005-04-28 2006-04-21 Machine destinee a laver des ampoules

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1885514B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006114803A2 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITMI20090269A1 (it) * 2009-02-25 2010-08-26 Semafra S A Apparato e procedimento di lavaggio ad elevatissimo grado di pulizia / lavaggio di tubi per la produzione di contenitori in vetro
ITUA20161750A1 (it) * 2016-03-17 2017-09-17 I M A Industria Macch Automatiche S P A In Sigla Ima S P A Gruppo di fornitura/prelievo di contenitori per macchine di lavaggio e macchina di lavaggio
CN112355000A (zh) * 2020-09-08 2021-02-12 西安集百汇川清洗设备有限公司 一种医药用瓶头内残渣清洗设备
CN113787071A (zh) * 2021-08-21 2021-12-14 白永军 全自动干化学尿液分析仪
CN114538070A (zh) * 2022-02-15 2022-05-27 华威特（江苏）生物制药有限公司 一种链球菌疫苗制备用带有自清洁机构的提取设备
CN115026056A (zh) * 2022-05-17 2022-09-09 鹰潭市和兴光通讯器件有限公司 一种微型五金件外表清洁设备
CN115068419A (zh) * 2022-07-22 2022-09-20 潍坊恒邦兽药有限公司 兽用高浓度美洛昔康注射剂及其加工设备

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112705540B (zh) * 2020-12-22 2021-12-14 杨蕾 检验科医用尿杯智能清洗设备
IT202100012950A1 (it) * 2021-05-19 2022-11-19 Stevanato Group Spa Unita’ modulare per il lavaggio e l’asciugatura di contenitori per uso farmaceutico e linea di produzione di contenitori per uso farmaceutico

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4099674A (en) * 1976-02-23 1978-07-11 Abbott Laboratories Nozzle member for a container washing apparatus
US4200470A (en) * 1977-10-20 1980-04-29 H. Strunck GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik Method and apparatus for cleaning ampules or similar containers
EP0381841A1 (fr) * 1989-01-27 1990-08-16 Robert Bosch Gmbh Procédé et dispositif de nettoyage et stérilisation de récipients
US6321761B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-11-27 Portola Packaging, Inc. Apparatus for holding down bottles in a high pressure wash

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4099674A (en) * 1976-02-23 1978-07-11 Abbott Laboratories Nozzle member for a container washing apparatus
US4200470A (en) * 1977-10-20 1980-04-29 H. Strunck GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik Method and apparatus for cleaning ampules or similar containers
EP0381841A1 (fr) * 1989-01-27 1990-08-16 Robert Bosch Gmbh Procédé et dispositif de nettoyage et stérilisation de récipients
US6321761B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-11-27 Portola Packaging, Inc. Apparatus for holding down bottles in a high pressure wash

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITMI20090269A1 (it) * 2009-02-25 2010-08-26 Semafra S A Apparato e procedimento di lavaggio ad elevatissimo grado di pulizia / lavaggio di tubi per la produzione di contenitori in vetro
ITUA20161750A1 (it) * 2016-03-17 2017-09-17 I M A Industria Macch Automatiche S P A In Sigla Ima S P A Gruppo di fornitura/prelievo di contenitori per macchine di lavaggio e macchina di lavaggio
CN112355000A (zh) * 2020-09-08 2021-02-12 西安集百汇川清洗设备有限公司 一种医药用瓶头内残渣清洗设备
CN113787071A (zh) * 2021-08-21 2021-12-14 白永军 全自动干化学尿液分析仪
CN113787071B (zh) * 2021-08-21 2023-03-31 济南鲁瑞生物科技有限公司 全自动干化学尿液分析仪
CN114538070A (zh) * 2022-02-15 2022-05-27 华威特（江苏）生物制药有限公司 一种链球菌疫苗制备用带有自清洁机构的提取设备
CN114538070B (zh) * 2022-02-15 2022-12-13 华威特（江苏）生物制药有限公司 一种链球菌疫苗制备用带有自清洁机构的提取设备
CN115026056A (zh) * 2022-05-17 2022-09-09 鹰潭市和兴光通讯器件有限公司 一种微型五金件外表清洁设备
CN115068419A (zh) * 2022-07-22 2022-09-20 潍坊恒邦兽药有限公司 兽用高浓度美洛昔康注射剂及其加工设备

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006114803A3 (fr) 2007-02-15
EP1885514A2 (fr) 2008-02-13
EP1885514B1 (fr) 2014-03-12
WO2006114803B1 (fr) 2007-03-29

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